When you’ve limited space it’s best to keep the ‘shell’ of your home a neutral colour and to have an open-plan layout where possible, to give the illusion of a larger area.  This gorgeous Swedish apartment proves that white can be interesting!  I could move in straight away…

Large windows let-in lots of natural light which reflects off the white interior, giving a spacious and airy feel.

Carefully-placed furniture and home accessories allows the sitting room and dining area to be located in the same room.

Use every nook and cranny effectively- add a few shelves for extra storage.

Wow- this modern bedroom is just stunning isn’t it?!

I’m not sure how I would feel about the washing machine being in the bathroom- is it just me or is that a little strange?!

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In a time of economic turndown and unrest, the old saying ’make do and mend’ seems more appropriate than ever.  Most of us are watching our pennies and thinking twice about when we buy.  In a way we are almost forced into thinking more creatively, making do with what we have and fixing a problem ourselves. 

Storage ideas always interest me because as you know I have so many ‘things’ and it’s a daily battle to keep it all organised and accessible!

Rather than leaving post lying around here there and everywhere, keep it all together.  This old shutter, above, is the perfect storage solution!

Do you have lots of old books which you want to keep rather than give away?  I love this side table, above.  I think the ‘table top’ is made using a floating shelf?  What a great idea!  Very retro-looking.

This is brilliant- your whole office neatly tucked away in a fitted wardrobe!!

There’s no reason why books should take up valuable storage space

Images via re-nest.com

Posted by Emily

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Hands up if you own more than 10 handbags, 15 pairs of trousers, 20 tops and countless pairs of shoes?  That’ll be most of you, then!  We all know about creating the ultimate capsule wardrobe, getting rid of items we haven’t worn for a year and the pointless act of keeping clothing from 10 years ago which we are unlikely to fit into again. But alas, we still do it don’t we?! 

But then comes the problem of storage- just where do you put it all?  Things need to be tidy and organised; hidden yet accessible; compact but not cramped.

Well if this lady can manage it in her small apartment, so can we…

Kittie lives with her husband in this teeny weeny 170 square foot studio in Manhattan, New York.  Although they also have a home in Texas, storage space is still needed for both her and her husband’s clothing, shoes, hats, cleaning supplies, bedding… the list goes on! 

Her bedroom wardrobe layout is spot-on…

Every part of the wardrobe space has been used effectively.  Add an extra rail or shelf where possible, use the back of the doors to hang your accessories and add the odd hook here and there.  Sounds simple but careful planning can make all the difference (and will save you having to throw anything out!).

Furniture can be custom made to your requirements.  You may find some inspiration at Ikea, or have a go yourself!

Images via Apartment Therapy

Posted by Emily

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This small Swedish flat is a great example of how to make the most of an area where space is limited.  It’s not often I can say I’d love to move-in straight away but there really isn’t anything I would want to change!!

It can be difficult to keep work and rest separate in small homes.  It’s so important to have a home office space separate from the living room furniture… even if it’s literally a desk and chair in the corner of the room.  Here, the ‘office‘ and lounge are open plan, yet the individual areas are clearly defined.  Notice how the room looks quite girly, however I’m sure this is purely because of the pink sofa.  What a difference one piece of furniture or colour can make!

 White gives the illusion of space as can large windows and plenty of natural light.

 Add definition with a feature wall

Love the idea of a wet room but not keen on the tiles used.  Although the striped shower curtain detracts from this

How delightful!

posted by Emily

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We love retail furniture chain BoConcept when it comes to choosing city-chic decor for the home.  Based in Denmark, the company specializes in modern, urban design.  I particularly like their ideas for optimizing limited space, which is a common issue with city living.  If you’ve any space-saving ideas to share, do let us know!

“Customised storage solutions that will fit into or around the corners are the ultimate space savers. Large wall mirrors and glass for tabletops bounce light around the room and leave an impression of size and endlessness”.

The table pictured (above left) can be used to seat four people, or folded in half as shown when the extra seating is not required.  The fact that the tables pictured to the left are of different heights allows them to overlap and fill a corner, again saving valuable space.

posted by Emily

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